Merry Christmas!
In this season of thankfulness and celebration, it is such a joy to count you among our camp family!
What a year we have had! In the words of Isaiah Chapter 40, we have certainly been in the wilderness during 2020, and not at ALL in the way of summer camp wilderness like hiking through the forest, climbing through the trees on high ropes elements, or boating on a river, creek, or bay. We have been in the kind of wilderness that can overwhelm us with the unknown. And yet, like the prophet Isaiah writes, we CRY OUT! “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” Here is the Lord, whose strength, and comfort, and steadfastness offer hope and joy! We have found joy even in this season, and we pray that you have, too.
Read more on all that happened at Manidokan and West River in 2020.
Manidokan Year in Review
https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/manidokan/news/a-look-back-at-2020/
West River Year in Review (link)
https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/westriver/2020/12/11/a-year-in-review-2020/
Looking forward to 2021, we know COVID-19 will continue to impact us, but we are planning and praying to be able to run a modified on-site summer camp program and to resume retreats as the pandemic lifts throughout the year. 2021 will not look like any other year in our history as we implement COVID-19 prevention best practices, but the things that make a week at camp special will still be there: caring volunteers, great staff, s’mores around the campfire, songs at worship, silly skits, screams on the giant swing and zipline, splashing in the pool, friendships that last a lifetime, tipping a canoe, stargazing, and an amazing Creator who changes lives at camp.
As 2020 comes to a close and you determine your year-end giving to the religious and non-profit organizations close to your heart, we ask that you consider supporting the ministry of Manidokan and West River by making a contribution to our general gift accounts or our campership fund. General gifts allow us to take on projects like improving our facilities, adding programmatic offerings, and implementing new ministry ideas that cannot be funding by our operating budget. Our campership fund helps make camp possible for those who would not otherwise be able to afford a camp experience.
Make your contribution online today at https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/donate/
Finally, we pray this season of Advent and Christmas presents to you a clearing and a way through whatever makes up your unique wilderness. We hope you might have the gift of family, the blessings of good health, and the presence of the Light of Christ! You are in our hearts and prayers this season, and throughout the year and we appreciate the ways you hold us in prayer too. As a light shines in the wilderness, we know that the light of Christ will not be overcome!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Manidokan and West River!
Liz Brown – West River Aquatics and Hospitality Coordinator
Dave Coomes – West River Maintenance Director
Clif Day – West River Maintenance
Matthew Frederiksen – West River Food Service Director
Diane Gunde – West River Maintenance
Steve Lane – Manidokan Assistant Director
Amy Marshall – Retreat and Camping Ministries Administrator
Scott Norris – Manidokan Maintenance Director
Chris Schlieckert – West River & Retreat and Camping Ministries Director
Rev. Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads – Manidokan Director
Matthew Surber – West River Program Director
